Saudi Arabia agrees to buy Chinook helicopters from US

Several defense and commercial agreements announced Saturday will further strengthen Boeing’s partnership with Saudi Arabia, create or sustain thousands of jobs in both the United States and Saudi Arabia, and enhance national security in the region.

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were joined by King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif Al Saud and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud at a signing ceremony that included Boeing products and services. Among the announcements:

• Agreements to purchase Chinook helicopters and associated support services as well as guided weapon systems.
• Saudi Arabia’s intent to order P-8 maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which are based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane.
• A joint venture with the Kingdom to provide sustainment services for a wide range of military platforms. The agreement also supports Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its indigenous aerospace industry and ecosystem through its Vision 2030 initiative.
• A commercial registration certificate for the Saudi Rotorcraft Support Company, a newly formed joint venture between Boeing, Alsalam Aerospace Industries and Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries with bases in both Riyadh and Jeddah that will provide support for both military and commercial helicopters.
• An agreement between Boeing and SaudiGulf Airlines to negotiate the sale of up to 16 widebody airplanes.

India orders 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters

The India Ministry of Defence has finalized its order with Boeing for production, training and support of Apache and Chinook helicopters that will greatly enhance India's capabilities across a range of military and humanitarian missions.

India will receive 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters. Both are the newest models of those aircraft.

"Large sections of the Chinook fuselage are already manufactured in India and discussions are ongoing with our Indian partners to make Apache parts,” said Pratyush Kumar, president, Boeing India.

The AH-64E Apache, the most modern variant also flown by the U. S. Army, features enhanced performance, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.

The CH-47F Chinook is an advanced multi-mission helicopter operated by the U.S. Army and 18 other defense forces.

India is the 14^th nation to select the Apache and the 19^th nation to select the Chinook.

FAA approves application for civilian operated Chinook CH-47D helicopter

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the Billings Flying Service application for a restricted type certificate on the Chinook CH-47D helicopter. According to Al Blain, co-owner of Billings Flying Service, this is the first and only type certificate for the CH-47D helicopter.

Billings Flying Service bought the first two CH-47Ds that were sold through military auctions earlier this year. They are one of three civilian operators to purchase the model, but the first to obtain the restricted category type certificate so quickly.

Billings Flying Service has uncommon experience operating heavy-lift helicopters such as Sikorsky S61, Eurocopter 330J, and various Bell mediums. Billings is already completing modifications so the Chinooks can be fully optimized for the vehicle reference operations their clients require.

"Billings Flying Service has a backlog of customers who are excited to begin utilizing all of the extraordinary capabilities of this aircraft," Blain said.

Gary Blain, co-owner of Billings Flying Service said, "The CH-47Ds will be incorporated into our fleet for our customers for every mission segment it currently performs including construction and firefighting. The Chinook offers the heaviest lift capacity available and will outperform the Sky Crane considerably on a hot, high day."

Billings Flying Service is based in Billings, Mont.